Is Science Compatible with Free Will? [electronic resource] : Exploring Free Will and Consciousness in the Light of Quantum Physics and Neuroscience /
Suarez, Antoine.editor.
Adams, Peter.editor.
There is a perceived conflict within the scientific community between the conviction that a human being has free will on one hand, and deterministic physics and neuroscience on the other. When faced with this conflict, two alternative positions are possible: either human freedom is an illusion, or deterministic science is not the last word on the brain and will eventually be superseded by a neuroscience that admits processes not completely determined by the past. Is Science Compatible with Free Will? investigates whether it is possible to have a science in which there is room for human freedom. The authors present perspectives coming from different disciplines (Quantum physics, Neuroscience, Economics, Philosophy) and range from those focusing on the scientific background, to those highlighting rather more a philosophical analysis. However, all chapters share a common characteristic: they take current scientific observations and data as a basis from which to draw philosophical implications. It is these features that make this volume unique, an exceptional interdisciplinary approach combining scientific strength and philosophical profundity. Is Science Compatible with Free Will? strongly stimulates the debate and contributes to new insights in the mind-brain relationship.  .
Description based upon print version of record.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
pt. I. Quantum physics and free will -- pt. II. Neuroscience and free will -- pt. III. Attempts to reconcile science and free will.
There is a perceived conflict within the scientific community between the conviction that a human being has free will on one hand, and deterministic physics and neuroscience on the other. When faced with this conflict, two alternative positions are possible: either human freedom is an illusion, or deterministic science is not the last word on the brain and will eventually be superseded by a neuroscience that admits processes not completely determined by the past. Is Science Compatible with Free Will? investigates whether it is possible to have a science in which there is room for human freedom. The authors present perspectives coming from different disciplines (Quantum physics, Neuroscience, Economics, Philosophy) and range from those focusing on the scientific background, to those highlighting rather more a philosophical analysis. However, all chapters share a common characteristic: they take current scientific observations and data as a basis from which to draw philosophical implications. It is these features that make this volume unique, an exceptional interdisciplinary approach combining scientific strength and philosophical profundity. Is Science Compatible with Free Will? strongly stimulates the debate and contributes to new insights in the mind-brain relationship.  .
Cognitive psychology.
Philosophy and science.
Neurosciences.
Cognitive Psychology.
Philosophy of Science.
Neurosciences.